Influenza Information

Every year the Student Health Center offers seasonal influenza vaccines to the students for a nominal fee.

General Influenza Guidelines

This document provides interim guidance, as per CDC, to institutions on suggested means to reduce the spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. These recommendations are based on the recognition of sustained human to human transmission of this new virus, which has spread across much of the United States, and information that suggests most cases of illness from this virus are similar in severity to seasonal influenza. However, recommendations may need to be revised as more information becomes available.

Interim Recommendations:

CDC is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings.

If confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or a large number of cases of influenza like illness (ILI) (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) occur among students, faculty, or staff or in the community, institutions officials should consult with state and local health officials regarding an appropriate response.

Because the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) within a health professions school may pose special concerns, school administrators are strongly encouraged to contact their state and local public health authorities if they suspect that cases of ILI are present on their campuses.

Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have ILI should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.

If possible, persons with ILI who wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider or campus health services to report illness by telephone or other remote means before seeking care. Institutions should assure that all students, faculty and staff receive messages about what they should do if they become ill with ILI, including reporting ILI to health services.

If persons with ILI must leave their home or dorm room (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical loose-fitting mask can be helpful for persons who have access to these, but a tissue or other covering is appropriate as well.).

Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 years or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of complications from influenza should consider staying away from public gatherings.

Suggested Guidelines for Residential Staff

Symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue..also known as symptoms of influenza like illnesses (ILI). A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. If a student complains of influenza like illness the following guidelines are recommended:

Coughs and sneezes should be covered. If a tissue is used it should be thrown away and the hands should be washed immediately. Hand washing is imperative in controlling the spread of influenza. Masks are available at the SHC.

Student with ILI should call the student health center and be asked to be seen. They should limit their contact with other students while coming to the Student Health Center, and will be given a time to come in when there is no waiting,

Ifthe student lives locally, the student is encouraged to go home, otherwise the student should remain in their room, (or a designated sick room) only leaving to use the restroom. The student should wash their hands before leaving their room and of course after using the bathroom. The student must maintain in social isolation until they have been fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of fever reducing medicines).

Meals can be brought to them via their roommate or RA.

Roommates should keep their distance from the sick student and exercise good handwashing. Rooms should be wiped down with antiseptic cloths.Masks may be worn while in the room. Bare in mind that the contagious period for influenza begins one day before symptoms begin and continue until there is no fever for 24 hours.

Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university - a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and their fellow man. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world. Read More